Iran Rejects Canadian Court Ruling

An Ontario judge in Canada recently ordered the seizure of more than $7 million of assets and properties belonging to Iran over some plaintiffs alleging that the Islamic Republic funds terrorist groups.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham rejected the move as politically-motivated, and said on Saturday that Iran was not informed about the legal proceedings.

She added that the court ruling has therefore “no legal value” to Iran.

“Given the approach of the Canadian government, it is crystal clear that the verdict is politically-motivated and such rulings have no legal value,” the spokeswoman said, reminding the Ottawa government of its international commitment to protect diplomatic properties.

Pointing to Canada’s move to sever ties with Iran unilaterally, Afkham said under international law diplomatic properties have immunity, warning Ottawa of the legal repercussions of disrespecting international regulations.

Canada cut its ties with Tehran on September 8,. Five Canadian diplomats left Iran at the time and closed the embassy in a sudden move.

The two sides already had low-level diplomatic ties that made it almost impossible for them to do useful work.

Many Canadian analysts and officials criticized Ottawa for its naive decision to sever ties with Iran, describing the move as a strategic and grave mistake.